Dr. Marco Martina's lab focuses on understanding how imbalances in brain signaling might contribute to cognitive impairments and social interaction challenges in psychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia. They investigate neuronal mechanisms using different rodent models to explore how shifts in chloride transport can affect cognition. Through this research, they aim to find ways to restore cognitive function using existing medications, thus paving the way for potential new treatments for psychiatric conditions.

Dr. Anis Contractor's lab at Northwestern University studies the mechanisms that allow brain cells to adapt and change to support memory formation and retrieval. By focusing on a specific type of synapse in the hippocampus, the lab seeks to understand the roles of certain proteins in enhancing communication between neurons, particularly in relation to memory. This research not only helps in understanding normal brain function but also addresses how these processes may go awry in conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

Dr. Jones G Parker's lab at Northwestern University focuses on understanding how dopamine affects cognition and perception, especially in relation to mental health disorders like schizophrenia. The research investigates the roles of D1 and D2 dopamine receptors in these processes and aims to explore new therapeutic strategies using cholinergic antipsychotics, which may offer benefits over traditional treatments. The lab employs advanced imaging techniques to study neural circuits and the effects of different drugs on brain activity.

Dr. Talia Newcombe Lerner's lab at Northwestern University investigates how dopamine circuits in the brain contribute to habit formation and motor skill acquisition. The lab aims to understand the neural mechanisms behind the transition from deliberate actions to automated habits, especially in the context of neuropsychiatric disorders like OCD and addiction. By studying the impact of early life stress on dopamine circuit development, the research seeks to uncover lasting effects on behavior and potential interventions for psychiatric disorders.

Dr. Mark D. Bevan's research lab at Northwestern University focuses on understanding the degeneration of neurons in Parkinson's disease and its effects on movement. The lab uses a genetic mouse model to study how brain circuits function during different stages of the disease. They explore potential therapies that might restore normal brain activity and prevent further degeneration of neurons, which could help improve motor function in individuals affected by Parkinson's disease.

Dr. Gordon Shepherd's lab focuses on understanding how the brain controls movements, particularly through the study of the motor cortex circuits involved in arm and hand movements. The lab explores how different areas of the brain communicate during these actions, aiming to uncover mechanisms that may lead to better treatments for movement disorders. By using advanced techniques, the research seeks to advance our knowledge about how sensory information and motor planning interact in the brain.

Dr. Dalton Surmeier's lab at Northwestern University focuses on understanding the mechanisms underlying Parkinson's disease (PD) and developing new therapeutic strategies. The research aims to dissect the roles of specific neurons in the brain that are involved in the disease, particularly how they relate to motor symptoms and side effects of standard treatments. By employing advanced genetic tools and rodent models, the lab seeks to uncover insights that could lead to improved therapies for PD patients.

Dr. Peter Penzes' lab at Northwestern University focuses on understanding how certain proteins influence the connections between nerve cells in the brain, which are vital for learning and behavior. His research targets the pathways involved in neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and fragile X syndrome, exploring how disruptions in these pathways can lead to changes in brain function. By studying the roles of specific proteins in synapse formation and function, the lab aims to uncover new therapeutic targets for mental health treatments.

Dr. Lee Miller's lab focuses on developing advanced brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that enable individuals with spinal cord injuries to regain more natural control of their hand movements. By utilizing muscle activity signals, or EMGs, from the brain, the lab aims to enhance the ability of users to control not just movements but also the forces involved in grasping objects. This research has the potential to significantly improve the lives of individuals with motor impairments, allowing them to perform daily tasks more intuitively.